Infusion Center Patient Inspires Fundraiser

December 6, 2012

Cathy Medlock, business teacher at Warrenton Middle School, is also one of the producer/directors of the school's annual talent show. Proceeds from the October production went to the Fauquier Health Infusion Center.

Warrenton Middle School students and staff used their talents October 26 to raise $3,604 to benefit the Infusion Center at Fauquier Hospital.

Proceeds from the school’s annual talent show, which featured 27 performances (plus a flash mob!) by more than 39 students and faculty members, were used to buy items to make Infusion Center visits more pleasant for patients.

"Our goal was to raise money to make the patients’ time at the center more comfortable and relaxing," said Tina Ference, ITRT at the school, who co-produced and co-directed the show with business teacher Cathy Medlock.

A patient of Dr. Salman Ali, of Fauquier Health Hematology/Oncology, Medlock is currently undergoing her second round of chemotherapy. Medlock’s sister Betsy said, "When they discovered the cancer, Cathy was in the middle of directing the spring musical, and opted not to start chemo until the show was over. The show was performed on a Friday, and she started chemo on Monday."

Lois Sutphin, RN, of the Infusion Center, helped the school group compile a list of needed items – iPads, headphones, portable movie players and other technology items. The Infusion Center now has a new coffee maker as well, thanks to the Warrenton Middle School community.

"The school chose the Infusion Center as our beneficiary because at WMS we have seen many staff members, friends and parents utilize the center for their healthcare needs," said Ference. Besides helping one of their own teachers, the WMS family wanted to give back to the local community. "We know the money will be used for the Warrenton and Fauquier County community," she said.

In addition to money collected from admission tickets and concessions, funds to benefit the Infusion Center were raised through donations from three local businesses. Country Chevrolet and Oak View Bank gave cash donations, and Fauquier Bank donated items for a gift basket that was auctioned.

Others donating baskets or raffle items were Mary Kay, Touchstone Jewelry, Tastefully Simple and Redken consultants, along with homeroom classes and faculty and staff. Students in WMS’ eighth-grade family and consumer science classes gathered the donated items and assembled 26 baskets that were either raffled or sold in a silent auction that evening.